The Journal: Crimson Skies: (The Journal Book 3) by Deborah D. Moore Page B

get home!” His lascivious grin made me laugh
and forget all about Denise Streiner.
     
    ~~~
     
    Colonel Andrews was leaning against his car,
a dull brown Humvee, when we pulled back into the parking lot.
    “Join me for a late lunch? There’s a nice
little restaurant around the corner,” he offered.
    “There are restaurants open?” I asked in
surprise.
    “Not many, but we are trying to bring
some normalcy back to the town,” he confirmed as we walked the
short distance.
    We settled into a booth and the men ordered
sandwiches while I ordered a large salad and a bottle of water.
    “I feel I owe you an apology about earlier,”
the Colonel said, “I know it was a shock, but the word will spread
quickly about the executions. Those who are taking liberties with
the populace need to understand that they are being hunted down and
the punishment is swift and severe. I have limited control over the
civilians, but I have full authority over the military, and that
includes all branches.”
    “What about General Marlow? Doesn’t he
outrank you?” I asked.
    “Ah, now that is a good question. I’ve been
doing some digging, as I mentioned, and his records are evasive.”
The colonel wiped his fingers on a red and white-checkered napkin.
“But that’s not what I wanted to talk to you about. As a gesture of
good will, what can I offer you or do for you?”
    I didn’t need to think twice. “Power. Can you
get the electricity restored to us?”
    “That’s it? Just electricity? Done! It should
be back on in the morning,” he smiled in relief. “Anything
else?”
    “Well I did ask before about shopping…” I
reminded him. Mark was sitting quietly, his sandwich finished.
    “You must understand prices have gone up a
great deal. What is it you want to look for? I’m assuming
food.”
    “Yes, there are certain supplies I’d like to
replenish, and I’d also like some normal things, too. I’d like to
see Emilee in a dress that fits, or at least a skirt, and Jacob
needs shoes. Is the fabric store open? Material would be good to
have.” I turned to Mark. “What would you get if you could?”
    “Other than to replace the medical supplies
that we’ve used recently, I can’t think of anything I need that I
don’t already have.” He smiled at me warmly.
    “Feed!” I thought suddenly. “Is Lamb Z Divey
open?”
    “I’m not familiar with the place. What is
it?” Andrews asked.
    “It’s an animal feed store,” I said. “There
is an old song: “Mares eat oats; does eat oats, and little lambs
eat ivy.’ The store name is a play on that: lambs eat ivy – ‘Lamb Z
Divey’. The animals need hay. The chickens need feed and straw, oh,
and cat food and dog food too!”
    “I know what we need,” Mark said, “Flour!
This sandwich was a treat, but Allex makes incredible bread, much
better than this, and she needs flour.”
    “This will cost a great deal, you
understand,” Colonel Andrews warned. “Inflation has skyrocketed,
and there are no more credit cards. Debit cards are taken, only
because it’s an instant transfer from a bank account.”
    “So the banks are operating?” I asked,
thinking about a very large check sitting in my dresser drawer.
There was also a matter of the cash John had left. I didn’t know
how much was there as I had never counted it.
    “Yes, only nine in the morning until
noon.”
    “So can we come in to shop?”
    “Yes, I will make the arrangements. When
would you like to do this?” he took out a notebook and jotted
something down.
    “Since tomorrow is Sunday, how about Monday
and Tuesday? That will give us time to make our lists,” I
suggested.
    “ Two days?”
    “Yes, I’d like to do it in shifts. I know all
of us would like the freedom of doing a normal thing, but if you
haven’t found who is behind all the attacks and corruption, we’re
still at risk and we can’t leave the houses without
protection.”
    “That makes sense. Monday and Tuesday